InspirEmail

InspirEmail
No 313 - April 2017 - Life is meant to be lived 'Inspirational
messages to refresh the spirit and boost the emotional bank account'

Life is meant to be lived

An enchanting story about the talented violinist
Fritz Kreisler tells how he once came across a beautiful instrument he wanted
to acquire. When he finally raised the money for the violin, he returned to buy
it and learned that it had already been sold to a collector.

He went to the new owner's home in order to try to
persuade him to sell the violin. But the collector said it was one of his
prized possessions and he could not let it go. The disappointed Kreisler turned
to leave, but then asked a favour. 'May I play the instrument once more before
it is consigned to silence?'

Permission was granted and the great musician began
to play. The violin sang out a quality of music so beautiful that the collector
himself could only listen in wonderment. 'I have no right to keep that to
myself,' he said after the musician finished. 'The violin is yours, Mr.
Kreisler. Take it into the world, and let people hear it.'

William Arthur Ward said, 'If you believe in
prayer, pray; if you believe in serving, serve; if you believe in giving,
give.' For you and I are exquisite violins and our music is meant to be heard.

I want to live my life that way - to take it into
the world and live it fully. I'd rather burn out than rust out. I'd rather be
used up than die not having done whatever I could . . . wherever I would.

I'm not talking about wearing out due to
unrestrained over-activity. Happiness is never found in excessive busyness. But
it is found in investing our lives in others. And letting your music be heard.

In the end, I know that my happiness will not have
been about by my ability or my inability. It will have been about my
availability.